Barcelona key forward still not training with group, all but ruled out vs Newcastle | OneFootball

In two days, FC Barcelona will lock horns with Newcastle United in their first game of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League.

The Blaugrana will take on the Magpies away at St. James’ Park, aiming to kick off their European campaign on a winning note as they hope to go all the way this season after stumbling at the semi-finals last term.

Still no Lamine Yamal

As Barcelona continue their preparations before the trip to England, Lamine Yamal is still not back participating in group training, reports Javi Miguel of AS.

As such, the 18-year-old key forward is all but ruled out of the game against Newcastle United on Thursday night.

Set to miss Newcastle clash. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

Lamine returned from national duty with Spain with pubic discomfort earlier this month and has been unable to train with the team ever since.

The youngster had been dealing with some minor niggle before the international break and exacerbated the issue after playing more than 150 minutes in the two games for La Roja.

Lamine missed the game against Valencia this past weekend, but reports suggested his condition was improving, although a return against Newcastle seemed unlikely.

And with the teenage wonderkid, a strong contender for the Ballon d’Or, not training with the group today either, his absence against the Premier League club seems pretty much a given at this point.